We wil be spending 5 days at BDC this Christmas and I'm looking for some insider tips on the resort itself and must-do things while we're there.

We are Costa Rica veterans, but BDC rookies. I find that those who have been there before usually have the best tips and secret things that may not be obvious to all.

I'm thinking mostly about must-see places, must-do hikes, secret trails, best place to view sunrise/sunset, etc. Also, any tips on the best local guides to hire and things like that. Things that you would only know if you had been there before.

One big question I have is: Is it worth doing a day trip into the park, or do you have as much chance seeing the same flora and fauna on or about the BDC property? In this case "worth" is defined as both time and money. We won't have a car, so we would need transport as well as a guide.

We saw a lot of wildlife at BdC including all 4 kinds of monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, a sloth, an anteater, coatis, and agoutis. The guides told us we'd see more of the same inside the park, so we decided to skip it. Some people see tapirs inside the park, but that seems pretty rare. We used Phillip, the BdC guide, for the primary forest tour, and that was a great intro to the area. He also does a night hike that's popular. Carlos is very good for birding. A lot of people like to visit the animal sanctuary as well. The Titi trail is pretty popular with those wanting to spot wildlife. The Creek trail has a pretty view.

Secrets? None that I know of. The BdC website is very complete and very informative. Philip runs a blog that will keep you reading for days. Each cabina (etc.) has a very thorough booklet detailing what you might see and where you might see it. The staff is eager to answer any question you can dream up. If you need tips, try these: Zip up your luggage when you're not using it; check your shoes before putting them on; put down your mosquito netting before turning on the light over the bed; carry a camera everywhere; use a flashlight at night; try the fried yuca; know that the tuna melt, when properly buttered and grilled, is as good as everyone says.

And the banana pancakes!

I answered you over at TA just now. There are some secrets but can't tell you then they'd no longer be secrets right? One thing I'd add to my reply at TA is when hiking, walk slowly and talk very quietly when on the trails. You will see a lot more if all the wildlife doesn't hear you coming from 50 yards.

I found the horseback riding tour to be a very good value. If you are interested in doing the boat tour you may want to arrange that for the day of you arrival if you are flying in early to avoid additional transportation costs. I was only there for 3 days so I did not do the wildlife sanctuary tour but everyone I know who has taken it feels like it was ine of the highlights of their trip. Just know that whatever you do you will enjoy BdC!

One thing I'd advise is to try to see if anyone else is interested in what activities you're doing. Dinners are communal so if you can find someone to split boat/transportation costs you'll save some $. For example if you want to go to the animal sanctuary, you have to pay the transportation costs to get there, or you could do what br mentioned above.

Agree with above. Happy hour & dinner is a great time to meet up with other guests, talk about what everyone did & saw and see what others are planning for the following days. A trip to the mangroves or sanctuary is a much better deal with say 6 people, than for 2, as the boat ride is just a base price.

Also agree the horseback riding is great fun and a good deal. One note (to self?!) don't start galloping on the beach til they say it okay.

Also, check the board next to the gift shop. The staff lists who is going where.

We saw much more wildlife at bdc than in the park itself. I wouldn't spend the time and money for that excursion.

There's also a board listing what animals were seen where, so maybe you can track down that elusive puma!

What a great way to spend an afternoon indoors in S.D. when it is in the 90's. I love fodors.com and it's participants! Not only knowledgable, but very funny too! Some day I am going to be a participant that has visited BdC!